Calling AirBNB experts! Why do properties say available but when I enquire they are not?!

[cabrillolighthouse]

I'm an AirBNB newbie but thought I would give it a try for a summer holiday this year. However I'm getting so frustrated with it I'm on the verge of giving up and just booking a hotel
instead!
This has now happened three times - I spend ages finding a property that would suit and that says has availability for our dates, then when I message the host with a polite message to double check before booking they tell me it's not available! I just don't understand . Is this normal for AirBNB? Do hosts generally not update availability on the site or is it "personal" because I have no prior guest history/rating. Don't know if I should bother persevering at this stage!

Why don't you just book rather than messaging?

Could be either. It could also be that the dates you want are awkward such as wanting 10 days in August. Try VRBO.

Most properties are advertised on more than one platform which could be causing it. I tend to use VRBO in preference to Airbnb- not sure why but feels a bit more professional.

Thank you. I'm looking on VRBO now so fingers crossed 😀

Do you have any reviews
Have you uploaded ID
Are you trying to book locally
All of these are things that can be red flags to owners

I know this is an old thread but I am new to VRBO and AirBNB and I can’t believe how many properties show availability then when you attempt to book they say dates no long free. So frustrating. I’ve wasted an entire day trying to book a holiday!